Drawer slide assembly

ABSTRACT

A drawer slide assembly including a generally T-shaped guide mounted on the article of furniture and a C-shaped slide mounted on the underside of a drawer receivable within the furniture article, each of the slide and guide being equipped with plastic elements to minimize noise while providing a lubricating effect.

This is a continuation-in-part of our copending application Ser. No.115,946 filed Jan. 28, 1980, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a drawer slide assembly and, moreparticularly, to an assembly including a T-shaped guide and a C-shapedslide, constructed of metal, but equipped with plastic bearing elements.

For the most part, drawer slide assemblies have used wood as thematerial of construction for the T-shaped stationary guide--see U.S.Pat. Nos. 3,328,107; 3,365,261; 3,658,394 and 3,981,553. However, metalguides were disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,650,577; 3,702,717, 3,844,627and 3,850,482. A plastic guide is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,492.

None of the foregoing arrangements has met contemporary demands ofreliable, trouble-free operation while minimizing cost. The woodelements very often warped to frustrate trouble-free sliding operationand were often difficult to install with accuracy. On the other hand,having both the slide and guide constructed of metal resulted inirritating noise and lack of trouble-free operation. These problems havebeen solved by the instant invention which employs metal as the materialof construction of both members but further employs a unique surfacedbearing constructed of plastic in the guide and a unique plastic adapteras a bearing in the slide.

Other objects and advantages of the invention may be seen in the detailsof the ensuing specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawing,in which--

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of an article offurniture equipped with one version of the inventive slide assembly;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the slide and guidemembers in assembled relation;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG.2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view, partially in section, ofthe slide and guide members in the positions they assume when beingassembled;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary top plan view of the guide member;

FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of the guide member of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the slide member;

FIG. 9 is an end elevational view of the slide member of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but of a modified form of theinvention;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the assembledslide and guide members of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary top plan view, partially in section of themembers of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are sectional views along the sight lines 13--13 and14--14, respectively of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective view of the modified form ofinvention depicted in FIGS. 10-14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the plastic elementassociated with the guide member in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view to show the sliding relationshipof the plastic element in the two members; and

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the plastic element associated with theslide member of FIG. 15.

In the first illustration given, and with reference first to FIG. 1, thenumeral 10 designates generally an article of furniture--such as adresser--which is equipped with a front opening 11 for the receipt of adrawer 12. The bottom portion of the opening 11 is defined by a frontparting rail 13 which is aligned with the usual rear parting rail 14 forthe support of a generally T-shaped guide member which herein isgenerally represented by the numeral 15. Thus, the guide 15 is thestationary member which cooperates to guide the sliding member generallydesignated 16 and which is affixed to the under side of the drawer 12.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the numeral 17 designates a plastic elementrotatably supported adjacent the front end of the guide 15 and whichprovides a bearing surface between the guide 15 and slide 16. At therear thereof, the slide 16 is equipped with a plastic adapter 18 (betterseen in FIGS. 3 and 5) and which provides a second bearing between theguide 15 and slide 16. As will be brought out in greater detailhereinafter, the plastic element 17 on the T-shaped guide and theplastic adapter element 18 on the C-shaped slide provide bearingsupports to substantially avoid noise from metal to metal bearingcontact while simultaneously providing a lubricating effect.

GUIDE CONSTRUCTION

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 which shows the generally T-shaped guide15 as viewed from the end thereof. The stem portion of the T-shape isprovided by vertically extending spaced apart walls 19 and 20 connectedat their bottom ends by a cross wall 21. At the upper ends of the walls19 and 20, the metal thereof is deformed sidewardly and outwardly toform flanges as at 22 and which define wings of the cross of theT-shape.

Also seen in the central bottom portion of FIG. 7 is a depending rib 23which, as can be appreciated from a consideration of FIG. 6, extendslongitudinally of the bottom cross wall 21. The rib 23 terminates aspaced distance as at 23a from the forward end 24 of the guide 15 andthereby provides a locater function as well as a rigidifying function.Still referring to FIG. 6, an elongated opening 25 is provided adjacentthe forward end 24 for the purpose of securing in adjustable fashion theforward end of the guide 15 to the front parting rail 13.

Still referring to FIG. 6, it will be seen that the laterally extendingflanges 22 terminate as at 22a a spaced distance from the forward end 24of the guide 15. The flangeless or wingless portion of the guide as at26 provides a means of entry for the slide 16 in the manner illustratedin FIG. 5.

The wingless portions 26 (see FIG. 6) also provide an advantageous meansfor mounting the plastic element 17 of FIG. 4 which has the shape of aroller. More particularly, the walls 19 and 20 are deformed outwardly asat 27 (again see FIG. 6) to form generally semi-cylindrical pedestalsfor the mounting of the roller element 17. As can be appreciated from aconsideration of FIG. 4, the roller element 17 is equipped with shaftextensions 28 integral with the arcuate surface portion of the roller 17and which are carried within the pedestal 27. A removable function isafforded the roller 17 by means of slightly constricting the upper endsof the pedestals 27 as illustrated at 29 in FIGS. 4 and 5. Thus,different size rollers may be readily substituted in the case ofdiffering drawer dimensions. As can be appreciated from a considerationof FIG. 4, the upper surface of the roller element 17 is arranged inbearing engagement with the bight portion 30 of the slide 16.

The specific details of the slide 16 can be appreciated from aconsideration of FIG. 9 wherein the bight portion 30 is integral withdepending arms 31 which, at their lower ends, are equipped with inwardlyextending flanges 32--thus defining the classic C-shape of the drawerslide. Additionally, the arms 31 are deformed inwardly as at 31a (stillreferring to FIG. 9) which are in alignment with the ends or verticalsurfaces of the shaft extensions 28 (see FIG. 4) to contact the samepreferentially and limit lateral movement of the drawer relative to thearticle of furniture while rigidifying the slide. This can also beappreciated from a consideration of FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, it is also seenthat the shaft extensions 28 of the plastic roller element 17 extendbeyond the pedestals 27, the pedestals 27 having a lateral dimensionsufficient to avoid sharp edge support of the shaft extensions andthereby avoid cutting the same.

SLIDE CONSTRUCTION

As brought out hereinbefore, the C-shaped slide has an upper transversewall or bight portion 30 merging into depending arms 31 which in turnare equipped with integral inwardly extending flanges 32 (see FIG. 9).The arms 31 (see FIG. 9) adjacent the rear end of slide 16 are equippedwith openings 33 (see FIG. 2) for the receipt of lugs or projections 34provided on the adapter 18 (see FIG. 3).

The adapter 18 can be considered to be generally M-shaped in transversesection (see FIG. 3) and providing thereby side portions 35 whichprovide ways as at 36 for the wings 22 of the guides 15.

Provided integral with the adapter 18 and between the side portions 35is a resilient central portion 37 which may be flexed for installationof the adapter 18 within the slide 16. More particularly, the ways 36provide horizontally extending surfaces 38 for contact with the flangesor wings 22. In the illustration given, the rear ends of the surfaces 38are beveled as at 39 to facilitate entry into the ways of the wings22--see particularly FIG. 5. Also to facilitate the assembly of theslide 16 on the guide 15, the inwardly extending flanges 32 areinterrupted as at 32a (still referring to FIG. 5) so as to permit theentry of the roller element 17 into the interior of the C-shaped slide16. As can be quickly appreciated from a consideration of FIGS. 8 and 9,the bight or upper wall 30 of the slide 16 is equipped with stop meansas at 40 (located forwardly of the adapter 18) for engagement with theplastic roller element 17 to limit withdrawal of the drawer 12.

OPERATION

In the practice of the invention, the metal portions of the guide 15 andslide 16 (see FIG. 1) are formed by appropriate shaping procedures. Theslide 16, for example, is equipped with tabs at the ends thereof foradvantageous connection to the drawer underside and back. In FIG. 2, thenumeral 41 represents an upstanding tab at the slide rear end which isengageable with the rear of the drawer 12. The forward end of the slideis equipped with an appropriate tab as at 42 (see FIG. 1) forpositionable connection with the underside of the drawer 12. Also, theslide is advantageously ribbed as at 43 (see the left hand portions ofFIGS. 2 and 8) for rigidification of the slide. The ribs 43 areespecially advantageous when positioned adjacent the rear end of theslide so as to better rigidify the same when the drawer is substantiallypulled out of the opening 11. The shaping operation also develops thestop means 40--by providing cutouts as at 44 (see FIG. 8) from whichtongues are struck as at 45 and further deformed as illustrated at 46(see also FIG. 9).

The same shaping or stamping operations are performed on the metalportion of the guide 15 so as to develop end tabs as at 47 and 48 (seeFIG. 6). The optimal rear end tab 48 is adapted to be deformeddownwardly so as to abut the rear face of the rear parting rail 14 (seeFIG. 1). Also, elongated openings as at 49 and 50 are provided adjacentthe rear end of the guide 15 so as to provide adjustability duringmounting.

After the metal portions of the guide 15 and slide 16 have beendeveloped, suitably sized plastic elements 17 and 18 are removablyinstalled by snap-in action. Depending upon the drawer draft, the sizesof the elements 17 and 18 may be advantageously varied so as to insurethat the only contact between the slide and guide will be on the plasticsurfaces.

The plastic roller element 17 carries the weight of the slide 16 (andtherefore the drawer 12) on its surface as can be appreciated from theupper central portion of FIG. 4. The weight of the other end of thedrawer is carried by the outwardly extending flanges 22 which abut thelongitudinally extending bearing surfaces 38 of the ways 36 (see FIG.3).

Any sideways movement between the slide and guide at the forward end ofthe drawer causes the arms 31 to engage the ends of the shaft extensions28 (compare FIGS. 3 and 4) and thereby again develop a plastic to metalbearing contact. At the rear end of the drawer, any sidewards movementcauses the sidewalls 51 of the ways 36 to contact the curved or roundedends 52 of the outwardly extending flanges 22 (see FIG. 3). Thus, thefolded over flanges 22 (constituting the wing portions of the T) notonly provide rigidity but also a curved bearing edge.

Still further, the ways 36 are defined by integral inwardly extendingflange portions 53 (still referring to FIG. 3) on the adapter 18. Thus,any possible contact between the walls 19 and 20 with the inwardlyextending flanges 32 is avoided by preferential contact between thewalls 19 and 20 and the plastic inwardly extending flanges 53.

Not only is there a complete avoidance of any metal to metal bearingcontact, but further the guide and slide cooperate to effectivelysupport the drawer in stable condition when the same is substantiallyremoved. In addition to the ribs 43 provided on the slide 16 (see theleft hand portion of FIG. 8), a longitudinally extending rib 54 isprovided in each of the upstanding spaced apart walls 19 and 20 of theguide 15 adjacent the forward end thereof (see FIG. 6). This serves tosupport the concentrated load of the drawer when the same is pulled out.

Through the construction of the slide and guide, we have avoided theproblems of the previous wood members which tend to warp and split--woodnot being too stable under moist atmospheric conditions, particularlywhen soft wood is employed which is usually the case for elements thatdo not serve a decorative purpose.

VERSION OF FIGS. 10-18

In the second illustration given, and with reference first to FIG. 10,the numeral 110 designates generally an article of furniture--such as adresser--which is equipped with a front opening 111 for the receipt of adrawer 112. Again, the bottom portion of the opening 111 is defined by afront parting rail--here 113 which is aligned with the usual rearparting rail 114 for the support of a generally T-shaped guide whichherein is generally represented by the numeral 115. Thus, the guide 115is the stationary member which cooperates to guide the sliding membergenerally designated 116 and which is affixed to the underside of thedrawer 112.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the numeral 117 designates a plastic elementfixedly supported adjacent the front end of the guide 115 and whichprovides a bearing surface between the guide 115 and 116. At the rearthereof, the slide 116 is equipped with a plastic adapter 118 (betterseen in FIGS. 11 and 15) and which provides a second bearing between theguide 115 and slide 116. As has been brought out previously, the plasticelement on the T-shaped guide and the plastic adapter on the C-shapedslide provide bearing supports to substantially avoid noise from metalto metal bearing contact while simultaneously providing a lubricatingeffect.

CONSTRUCTION OF GUIDE 115

The construction of guide 115 of this version of the invention issubstantially the same as that of guide 15 except that it is simpler innot having to provide a rotatable mounting for the plastic element 117.This can be appreciated by referring to FIG. 15 which shows thegenerally T-shaped guide 115 as viewed in section. The stem portion ofthe T-shape is provided by vertically extending spaced apart walls 119and 120 connected at their bottom ends by a cross wall 121. At the upperends of the walls 119 and 120, the metal thereof is deformed sidewardlyand outwardly to form flanges as at 122 and which define wings of thecross of the T-shape.

As in the prior version, the guide 115 has a locating means 123 (seeFIG. 11) spaced from the forward end 124. Also present is an elongatedopening 125 adjacent the forward end 124 thereof th accommodate awoodscrew 126. The screw 126 extends into the front parting rail 113 andadditionaly serves to secure the plastic element 117 thereto. In thisversion, the wings 122 extend the entire length of the guide 115inasmuch as there is no need to provide a means for mounting a rotatableplastic element and for inserting the slide thereover. Also provided,but not shown in this version, are openings adjacent the rear end of theguide 115 for the purpose of securing the guide to the rear parting rail114. Such openings can be seen at 49 and 50 in FIG. 6 of the firstversion described.

The plastic element 117 can be seen best in FIG. 16 and includes aunitary block 127 equipped with horizontally extending integral flanges128. The block 127 is press-fitted between the walls 119 and 120 as canbe best seen in FIG. 14. The flanges 128 extend parallel to the wings122 but are spaced thereabove--again see FIG. 13. The top surface 129 isrecessed at 129a (see FIGS. 12 and 16) to accommodate the woodscrew 126entering into the opening 126a and to provide a flexing function to bedescribed.

As can be appreciated from a consideration of FIG. 13, the upper surface129a of the plastic element 117 is arranged in bearing engagement withthe bight portion 130 of the slide 116.

CONSTRUCTION OF SLIDE 116

Similar to what was brought out hereinbefore, the slide 116 is C-shaped,having an upper transverse wall or bight portion 130 merging intodepending arms 131 which in turn are equipped with integral inwardlyextending flanges 132 (see FIG. 13). Again, the extreme rear end of theslide 116 is equipped with an upstanding tab 133--see FIG. 11. Thisserves to secure the slide 116 to the rear wall 134 of the drawer 112 bymeans of woodscrews 135--these also serve to secure the plastic adapter118 to the drawer 112 (still referring to FIG. 11). Thus, both elements117 and 118 are secured to their respective metal parts by the samemeans that secures the metal part to the particular portion of thearticle of furniture, i.e., one fastening performs a dual function.

The construction of the adapter 118 can be best appreciated from aconsideration of FIGS. 15 and 17. Again the plastic adapter element 118is provided in the form of a unitary piece. Essentially, it ishorizontally elongated with an upstanding central flange or wall as at136. On the forward side of the flange 136, the element 118 is equippedwith a generally inverted U-shaped projection 137. This is shaped toreceive and pass the flanges 128 of the plastic element 117, seeparticularly FIG. 15. The projection 137 provides an important visualaid when the drawer is being installed--projecting as it does beyond therear wall 134 of the drawer (see FIG. 11), the person handling thedrawer can readily align it with the flanges 128 of the element 117 ofthe guide 115 (see FIG. 15). Also, it provides one anchor for theintegral rigidifying ribs 138 that extend between the projection 137 andthe flange 136. The wall-like flange 136 is further rigidified by thepartial perimetric flange or shoulder 139. The flange 136 is aperturedas at 140 for the receipt of the woodscrews 135 as seen in FIGS. 11 and12.

Extending rearwardly from the flange 136 is the portion 141 (see FIG.18) of the adapter 118 which receives in sliding relationship the wings122 of the guide 115. As can be appreciated from a consideration of FIG.18, the portion 141 includes opposed ways as at 142 and 143 which areessentially question-mark in shape and which also can be seen in thecentral portion of FIG. 14. At their rear ends, ways 142 and 143 havebeveled openings as at 144 in the extreme left hand lower portion ofFIG. 11. This also facilitates the installation of the drawer slide 116on the furniture article guide 115. The ways 142 and 143 providehorizontally extending surfaces (see FIG. 14) as at 145 for contact withthe wings 122.

As can be appreciated from a consideration of FIG. 11, the bight orupper wall 130 of the slide 116 is equipped with stop means as at 146for engagement with the rear end 147 (see also FIG. 16) of the plasticelement 117 to limit withdrawal of the drawer 112. More particularly, aportion of the plastic element 117 is cantilevered as at 147 (see FIG.17) so as to yield after engagement with the detent-stop means 146 andpermit the drawer to be completely withdrawn from the article offurniture 110.

OPERATION OF SECOND VERSION

In the operation of the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS.10-18, the metal portions of the guide 115 and slide 116 may be formedas described previously with respect to the first-described embodiment.This includes the provision of the various ribs, tabs, stop means, etc.

After the metal portions of the guide 115 and slide 116 have beendeveloped, the plastic elements 117 and 118 are installed simultaneouslywith these elements on the article of furniture 110 and drawer 112,respectively. As mentioned previously, the drawer 112 is advantageouslyintroduced into the drawer opening 111 by virture of the projection 137which affords a visual alignment means with the flanges 128. The surface137a (see the left hand portion of FIG. 11) is aligned with theunderside of the bight 130 so that there is no need for manipulating thedrawer during installation. Further, the ways 142 and 143 are spacedbelow the surface 137a to receive the wings 122 when the upper surface129 of the flanges 128 is in contact with the surface 137a. In otherwords, the distance between the surface 129 and the wings 122 isapproximately equal to the distance between the surface 137a and theways 142, 143. Thus, the control of the dimension is completely withinthe hands of the plastic element manufacturer once the depth of thetrough in the stem of the T-shaped guide 115 is known. The height of theflanges 128 above the wings 122 is readily adjusted by adjusting theheight of the block 127.

The interior bearing surfaces of the ways 142 and 143 as at 145 and 145a(see FIG. 14) are spaced apart slightly greater than the thickness ofthe wings 122. This makes for a convenient and advantageous slidingaction and also takes into account the possibility that the personwithdrawing the drawer may lift the same slightly so that the wings 122will bear against the surfaces 145 (as shown in FIG. 14) rather thanhaving the surfaces 145a bear against the wings 122 which is the normalcondition of the drawer when at rest. Also, as can be appreciated fromFIG. 14, any sideward movement of the drawer still results in the metalportion of the guide 115 bearing only against the plastic of the slide116, not the metal thereof.

Upon withdrawal of the drawer 112, the stop means 146 engages theforward end 147 of the plastic element 117. This is a tactile signal tothe person pulling the drawer out that further withdrawal will removethe drawer 112 from the article of furniture 110. By pulling further onthe drawer, the forward cantilevered portion 147 deflects downwardlyfrom the condition of FIG. 11 so as to permit the stop means 146 to passover the extreme forward end of the projection 147 and enter into theslot 129a. Thereafter, complete removal of the drawer is possible.

While in the foregoing specification a detailed description of theinvention has been set down for the purpose of illustration, manyvariations in the details hereingiven may be made by those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. A drawer slide assembly comprising an elongated generallyT-shaped stationary metal guide member adapted to be secured to theinterior of a drawer-equipped article of furniture extending rearwardlyfrom the center of a drawer opening in the front of the article and anelongated, generally C-shaped metal slide member adapted to be securedto the underside of a drawer in ensleeving relation with said guidemember, said guide member being equipped with a plastic element adjacentthe front end thereof in bearing relation to said C-shaped slide member,said slide member being equipped with a plastic adapter element adjacentthe rear end thereof in bearing relation with said T-shaped guide memberwhereby noise from metal to metal bearing is avoided whilesimultaneously providing a lubricating effect.
 2. The structure of claim1 in which said guide member has spaced apart walls defining the stem ofsaid T-shape, said plastic element being mounted between said walls andprojecting above the wing portions of said T-shape, said plastic adapterelement being equipped with ways for engagement with said wing portions.3. The structure of claim 1 in which said plastic adapter element isequipped with horizontally extending surfaces for bearing engagementwith the wing portions of said T-shaped guide member and verticalsurfaces adapted to contact the end of said wing portions and the stemof said T-shape preferentially to the metal portions of said slidemember.
 4. The structure of claim 3 in which said guide member plasticsurface for bearing engagement with the bight portion of said C-shapedslide member and vertical side surfaces adapted to contact the arms ofsaid C-shaped slide member preferentially to the metal portions of saidguide member.
 5. The structure of claim 4 in which said guide memberplastic element includes a block fitted within said guide member andequipped with integral sidewardly extending flanges thereabove forcontacting the bight and arm portions of said C-shaped slide member. 6.The structure of claim 4 in which said guide member plastic element is aroller having integral shaft extensions extending axially thereof, saidroller providing an arcuate upper surface for bearing engagement withthe bight portion of said C-shaped slide while the ends of said shaftextensions provide said vertical side surfaces.
 7. The structure ofclaim 6 in which said T-shaped guide member has spaced apartvertically-extending walls defining the stem of said T-shape withsidewardly extending flanges defining the wing portions of said T-shape,said flanges terminating a spaced distance from the front end of saidguide member to provide wingless upstanding walls for supporting saidroller, said wingless upstanding walls being deformed laterally outwardto provide integral cylindrically shaped pedestals for said shaftextension.
 8. The structure of claim 7 in which said pedestals areconstructed adjacent to the upper portions thereof to provide snap-inreceipt of said shaft extensions.
 9. The structure of claim 7 in whichsaid shaft extensions extend beyond said pedestals, said pedestalshaving a lateral dimension sufficient to avoid sharp edge support ofsaid shaft extensions and thereby avoid cutting the same.
 10. Thestructure of claim 6 in which said slide is equipped with longitudinallyextending laterally inward indentations in the arms thereof aligned withthe ends of said shaft extensions to contact the same and limit lateralmovement of said drawer relative to said article of manufacture whilerigidifying said slide member.
 11. The structure of claim 6 in whichsaid slide member is equipped with openings in the arm portions of saidC-shape adjacent in the rear end of said slide member, said adapterbeing equipped with laterally, outwardly-extending integral projectionsreleasably received in said opening.
 12. The structure of claim 11 inwhich said adapter is generally M-shaped in transverse section toprovide a resilient central portion for flexing installation of saidadapter in said slide member.
 13. The structure of claim 11 in whichsaid adapter has internal, longitudinally extending ways for receivingsaid guide wing portions, said wing portions having metal reverselyfolded on itself to provide rigidity and a curved bearing edge.
 14. Thestructure of claim 6 in which said adapter is equipped withlongitudinally extending ways for receiving said guide member wingportions.
 15. The structure of claim 14 in which said ways have beveledentries for receiving said wing portions.
 16. The structure of claim 1in which said slide member is equipped with stop means depending fromthe bight portion of said C-shape and located forwardly of said adapterelement, said stop means being arranged to engage said guide memberplastic element to limit withdrawal of the drawer.
 17. The structure ofclaim 1 in which each of said plastic elements is releasably mounted toprovide ready installation of different sizes to accommodate theassembly to drawers of different draft.
 18. The structure of claim 1 inwhich each of said elements and members is apertured for the receipt offasteners to simultaneously secure each member and its associatedelement to a portion of said article of furniture.
 19. A drawer slideassembly comprising elongated metal guide and slide members, said guidemember having end tabs for connection to the front and rear partingrails of an article of manufacture, said guide member also having spacedapart upstanding walls and outwardly extending flanges commencing aspaced distance from the forward end thereof and extending rearwardlytherefrom, said slide member having end tabs for connection to the frontand rear of a drawer and a general C-shape in transverse section toembrace said outwardly extending flanges, said C-shape includinginwardly extending flanges notched a spaced distance from the rear endthereof, said spaced distances affording an entrance for said slide whensaid drawer has the front end thereof tilted upwardly, said guide memberbeing equipped with a plastic bearing element adjacent the forward endthereof and said slide member being equipped with a plastic bearingelement adjacent the rear end thereof.
 20. The structure of claim 19wherein the guide plastic element is the only element providing abearing surface thereof for contact with said slide and the slideplastic element is the only portion thereof providing a bearing contactwith said guide member.
 21. The structure of claim 19 in which saidguide member plastic element is located within the said spaced distanceof said guide member and the plastic element of said slide member islocated between the rear end and said notch of said slide member.
 22. Adrawer slide assembly comprising elongated metal guide and slidemembers, said guide member having end tabs for connection to the frontand rear parting rails of an article of manufacture, said guide memberalso having spaced apart upstanding walls and outwardly extending wings,said slide member having end tabs for connection to the front and rearof a drawer and a general C-shape and transverse section to embrace saidoutwardly extending wings, said guide member being equipped with aplastic element adjacent the front end thereof and equipped with meansfor simultaneous securement thereof with said guide member with saidfront parting rail, said guide member being adapted to be in bearingrelation to said C-shaped slide member, said slide member being equippedwith a plastic adapter element adjacent the rear end thereof andequipped with means for simultaneous securing of the same with saidslide member to the rear of a drawer, said plastic adapter element beingadapted to be in bearing relation with the wings of said guide member.23. The structure of claim 22 in which said plastic adapter elementincludes an upstanding flange equipped with said securing means, slidemeans extending horizontally away from said flange on each side thereof,one of said slide means being received within said C-shaped slidemember, and the other projecting away therefrom to provide a visualaligning means for installing said drawer in an article of furniture.24. The structure of claim 23 in which said other slide means has abeveled opening to facilitate engagement of said plastic element withthe wings of said guide member.
 25. The structure of claim 22 in whichsaid guide member is T-shaped to provide a stem portion having spacedapart vertically-extending walls, said plastic element having a blockportion received within said vertically extending walls and horizontallyextending flanges integral with said block portion, said flanges being aspaced distance above said wings to contact the bight of said C-shapedslide member.
 26. The structure of claim 25 in which said plasticelement is equipped with a cantilevered portion extending rearwardlyabove said block portion and in alignment with said flanges, saidcantilevered portion providing a resilient detent means for ccoperationwith said slide member in signaling a limit of withdrawal of the drawerfrom the article of furniture.
 27. The structure of claim 26 in whichthe upwardly facing surface of said plastic element is equipped with agroove extending forwardly from said detent means to permit passage ofcomplementary stop means on said slide member.
 28. A drawer slideassembly comprising an elongated T-shaped stationary metal guide memberadapted to be secured to the interior of a dresser-equipped article offurniture extending rearwardly from the center of a drawer opening inthe front of the article, and an elongated generally C-shaped metalslide member adapted to be secured to the underside of a drawer inensleeving relation with said guide member, said guide member beingequipped with a plastic element adjacent the front end thereof inbearing relation to the bight of said C-shaped slide member, said guidemember having end tabs for connection to the front and rear partingrails of said article of manufacture, said plastic element beingequipped with means for simultaneously securing said plastic element andsaid guide member to said front parting rail, said metal guide having aspaced apart vertically extending walls defining the stem of saidT-shape with sidewardly extending wings defining the wing portions ofsaid T-shape, said plastic element having a block portion receivedwithin said vertically extending walls and horizontally extendingflanges integral with said block portion spaced above said wings, saidflanges providing an upper surface for bearing engagement with the bightof said C-shaped slide member, said slide member having end tabs forconnection to the front and rear of a drawer and being equipped with aplastic adapter element adjacent the rear end thereof, said plasticadapter element being equipped with means for simultaneous securementwith said slide member to the rear of said drawer, said plastic adapterelement being equipped with integral ways for the receipt of the wingsof said guide member whereby metal to metal bearing is avoided betweensaid slide and guide members.
 29. The structure of claim 28 in whichsaid slide member is equipped with a depending stop means from the bightof the C-shape thereof, said plastic element being equipped with acantilevered detent means for cooperation with said stop means forindicating the degree of withdrawal of a drawer from said article offurniture. .Iadd.
 30. A drawer slide assembly comprising adrawer-equipped article of furniture, an elongated stationary metalguide member secured to the interior of said article and extendingrearwardly from the center of a drawer opening in the front of thearticle and an elongated, metal slide member adapted to be secured tothe underside of a drawer, one of the said members being C-shaped andthe other being T-shaped with said C-shaped member being arranged inensleeving relation to said T-shaped member, said article adjacent thefront thereof being equipped with plastic element means to facilitatesliding action of said drawer and said slide member being equipped witha plastic adapter element adjacent the rear end thereof in bearingrelation with said guide member whereby noise from metal to metalbearing is avoided while simultaneously providing a lubricatingeffect..Iaddend.